What effect does low relative humidity have on fire behavior?

Low relative humidity significantly contributes to increased fire intensity and spread. When the humidity is low, the moisture content of available fuels (like vegetation) decreases, making them drier and more conducive to combustion. Dry fuels ignite more readily and burn more intensely.

Additionally, low humidity can enhance the rate at which fires spread by promoting more vigorous combustion and allowing flames to propagate more rapidly through the fuel. This is because heat can transfer more effectively in dry conditions, leading to higher temperatures and more energetic fire behavior.

Understanding the role of humidity is crucial for wildfire management, as it influences firefighting strategies and fire growth predictions. Effective management requires close monitoring of weather conditions, as changes in humidity can drastically alter fire dynamics and influence the behavior of wildfires.